China's central government has appropriated 40 million yuan (about US$5 million) of emergency relief funds to areas hit by flash floods and geological disasters in the south, caused by days of heavy rains, according to government sources.

Other sorts of relief funds and materials have also been rushed to those areas, mainly in the provinces and region of Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Guangxi. Some of the relief materials were conveyed by the Red Cross, according to sources with the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

According to statistics announced by the ministry Friday, the floods in Fujian have caused the death of 25 people and five people missing. They have affected nearly 3 million people and destroyed lots of houses.

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders of the central authorities have issued instructions ordering relevant government departments to fully support and coordinate regional disaster relief efforts.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, the Ministry of Land and Resources, the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Railways have all started relief efforts in their respective fields.

A joint work group of the State Council, headed by vice-minister of civil affairs Jiang Li, have arrived at the disaster areas to comfort the victims and direct relief efforts.

The Ministry of Education has rescheduled college entrance examination in the affected areas.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2006)